November 2, 2021
Mission Council Moves
Culture Work Forward
At the Missouri Conference Mission Council meeting on September 21, council members heard the full report of the Episcopal Task Force on Race and Culture. Presented by task force chairperson and retired Elder Rev. Cody Collier, the council spent much of the meeting thinking through the task force’s work, recommendations, and ways that the council can hold the Conference and Episcopal Office accountable to moving the work forward.
The Mission Council took up two direct recommendations of the task force that they could affect: integrating the word “diversity” into the Expectations We Have of Each Other and the inclusion of “Missional Justice” into the Core Practices the Missouri Conference Must Get Right.
Read more about the Missouri Conference's race and culture work →
Upcoming Events
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Collaborating for Community Impact with Rev. Lia McIntosh
The Black Church is a force for good, especially when it is empowered together. But how can ministry leaders work collaboratively in this unique moment in history? Rev. Lia McIntosh, author of Blank Slate and Church/School/Community, will teach you how to wipe the slate clean and imagine community engagement in a fresh way. Join us at 6 p.m. on November 18 for this free virtual event. Learn more and RSVP →
Other Upcoming Events
See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
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College-Age Ministry Grants Available
The Office of Next Generation Ministries is excited to announce the availability of college-age ministry grants. We invite local churches already engaged in college-age ministry of any type to apply for grant funding by November 5, 2021. View the application →
Featured Resource
How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice
How is the practical fight against racism key to faithful discipleship? Pastors and laity alike wrestle with how they can participate in the struggle for racial justice as Christians. What does courageous Christian faith look like given our history of prejudice, compromise, and complicity? Dr. Jemar Tisby, best-selling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism, and Missouri's own Rev. Tex Sample discuss very specific ways ordinary people of faith can live out the call to be active agents of grace, mercy, and justice (Micah 6:8). Watch the recording →
More Resources
Advent Resources
Check out these free or low cost resources from the wider UMC connection as you plan for Advent:
Pre-Recorded Sermons for Pastor Sabbaths
Time off is essential to remaining healthy and effective in ministry. We've recorded three sermons for you to use in your local church. We hope you'll utilize this resource to take a Sunday off from preaching. Additionally, we're offering the option for churches to request a customized full worship service.
Annual HealthFlex Election Resources
Check out these resources — including plan comparisons by mental health benefits — that you may find helpful this annual enrollment season.
See the full resource library at www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
